In fact, a harsh boiling may even cause your Outer Banks shell to lose a bit of its color in the process. Scotch Bonnet – The Scotch Bonnet is the state shell of North Carolina, and is a surprisingly rare find that is prized by any beachcomber. Obviously, there's no right way to judge a shell's worthiness, and avid Outer Banks collectors may have one species they prize, and another they simply pass by. Below is the OBR Guide to Seas Shells of the Outer Banks! But newcomers should certainly indulge and have fun, and simply collect the shells they find most appealing and attractive. One of the most common shells on the Outer Banks is the coquina clam, and in fact, there is an entire stretch of beach named after this tiny shell, located just north of Nags Head. Regardless of where you shell, just remember that every beach changes with a switch in wind or current direction, or a passing storm, or a slight change in temperature. Any of the ocean facing beaches in North Carolina will produce nice shells. Generally, when good shells wash up, they are accompanied by piles of dark brown sea grasses and murky green seaweed, and most casual beachcombers overlook these grassy piles in favor of the more obvious finds along the shoreline. You want to scout out beaches with shallow shorelines, those south of the Point. Shells that were submerged in ocean bottoms with tar will often turn a grayish color, or have sections that are much darker and almost black. When most folks think of conchs, this is the shell they have in mind, and the helmet conch can be a large, heavy find, clocking in at 12" long or more. The best time to go is during the shoulder and off-seasons, when tourism is at its lowest, and the beaches are generally untouched and ripe for the picking. A pen shell is also a bivalve, with a delicate long and iridescent fan-shaped body, but a glossy interior that is simply striking. With that being said, there are a few beaches on the Outer Banks that have always been popular with locals as exceptional shell hunting grounds, and newcomers that want to maximize their chances of finding a seaside treasure should consider hitting the following beaches first. Located in between Avon and Buxton villages abutting the Pamlico Sound, Kite Point literally went from deserted strip of sandy soundfront to world-class kiteboarding Mecca within the span of a decade. Some lucky strollers may happen upon a freshly washed up whelk or even a Scotch Bonnet without much effort, and sometimes the best of beachcombers can be skunked during an extensive shelling trip. It's a small, light olive-green tube-shaped shell. The Scotch Bonnet is surprisingly rare, and is arguably one of the best finds on the Outer Banks. Other popular shells on the Outer Banks beach scene that are conical in nature include the auger, the oyster driller, the periwinkle, the moon snail and the sundial. If you go, be sure and go early, especially after a storm when the beachcombers can come out in droves. Another conical variety, olive shells resemble long, pointed tubes with a small number of spirals at the top, and a long opening that has shades of pink or even dark purple on the inside. The coquina is a gorgeous find, and like a snowflake, every single one is different. A "fresh" whelk, however, that has not suffered the same deterioration, will have sharper knobs, well-defined spirals, and much brighter and more distinctive coloring. Seashells are external skeletons of animals called mollusks that once lived inside. Use this guide and our knowledge to find the perfect spot to experience this North Carolina must! All information on this site is deemed reliable but is not guaranteed. Climb aboard the Kokomo, our 40-passenger catarmaran and the area’s newest dolphin boat­, with a canopied top, cushioned seats and restroom. One of the most common shells on the Outer Banks is the coquina clam, and in fact, there is an entire stretch of beach named after this tiny shell, located just north of Nags Head. Generally, this happens at least a day after the storm has passed, when the ocean waves have calmed down, and buckets of shells have had an opportunity to wash up on the beaches in huge piles, just waiting for an intrepid shell hunter to root through and dig out the best pieces. A fresh olive shell, (or one whose color hasn't been lessened by battering ocean waves and sand), can be patterned with hundreds of tiny triangles and abstract designs, making these shells absolutely gorgeous finds. The waters bordering the three inlets on the Outer Banks, specifically Oregon Inlet, Hatteras Inlet and Ocracoke Inlet, have the distinction of being close to both the open sound and ocean waters, and the deep currents rushing through generally produces a variety of finds along the perimeter of the inlets' borders. After a few shelling trips, beachcombers may notice that not every shell, despite being the same species, looks remotely the same. Variations can occur in size, color, and even overall structure, and there are a number of reasons for these discrepancies. Gastropods, such as whelks and moon snails, have a single shell … Shell hunters may also want to head to the inlets. Take your time, and skim through these piles carefully. Remember that the entire Outer Banks sit on a cluster of slowly migrating islands, and even a walk through a maritime forest or along the soundside can produce some remarkable and ancient finds. Auger shells range anywhere from one inch to 8 7/8 inches high. The great thing about shelling on the Outer Banks is that virtually any stretch of beach under the right conditions can turn into a honey hole for shell hunters. It will take you to a page with a bigger image of the … The coloring of a seashell can be affected by both the age of the shell, as well as the environment it came from. Shells of North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia ISBN: 978-1-936913-24-4 This colorful, educational guide is an excellent resource for identifying the shells, common sea beans and other coastal drift … The actual structure of a shell is also affected by its living conditions, so to speak, before it was washed ashore. However, the moon snail is one of the more common shells on the Outer Banks, and while the sundial rarely gets larger than 3", a moon snail can be 5" or more. The great thing about shelling is that it is not a competition, and shell hunters can simply pick up the ones that they find the most pretty, the most personally valuable, and the most satisfying. As expert beachcombers know, the true shelling Mecca of the Outer Banks is located at its southern edge, just south of Ocracoke, on Portsmouth Island. Identify seashells from beaches of Sanibel Island, Captiva, Marco, 10k islands, Goodland, Naples, westFlorida, Gulf coast, Lee County, Collier County. The coastal waters of South Carolina are teeming with seashells. Shells of North Carolina, South Carolina & Georgia: A Beachcomber’s Guide to the Atlantic Coast (Common and Notable Species) Jeanne L. Murphy and Brian W. Lane 4.8 out of 5 stars 38 On the Outer Banks, the best shelling beaches can change on a whim, with offshore sandbars forming and dissipating regularly, and ocean currents switching at a moment's notice. Common Seashells of North Carolina - Sea Turtle Camp Angelwings are chalky white in color measuring 4-8 inches in length and can be found in waters as deep as 60 feet. They are also generally "fatter," with a pale gray exterior and a bright blue spot near the mouth's opening. A gorgeous shell that is found sparingly on the south facing beaches, the helmet conch is truly an Outer Banks treasure. This feature has given the moon snail its common Outer Banks name, the Shark Eye. Sunset Dolphin Cruises runs daily. Don't be afraid to get your hands dirty, and feel free to sift through with vigor. Don't be afraid to look well off the beaten path for good shell finds. The best time to find shells on … Scotch bonnet is the official state shell of North Carolina. Common local shells include whelks, angel wings, arks, pen shells, augers, cockles, slipper shells, jingles, coquina, and olive shells… As part of the Historic Corolla Park, the Whalehead in Historic Corolla serves as a northern Outer Banks icon, and a living testament to Corolla and Duck's heyday as a secluded oceanfront retreat for the country's wealthy hunters and conservationists. The good news is that virtually every stretch of beach on Ocracoke Island could be home to dozens of Scotch Bonnets, whelks, olive shells, sand dollars, and even more exotic species like spiny murexes, pear whelks, or Florida fighting conchs. Snails … These currents bring the island a variety of sea shells to hunt year-round. Common local shells include whelks, angel wings, arks, pen shells, augers, cockles, slipper shells, jingles, coquina, and olive shells… Shelling enthusiasts could spend a lifetime looking for whelks, moon shells, coquina shells, helmet conchs, olive shells, and periwinkles. Departs from the Wanchese Docks on Roanoke Island. The grass protects small finds from the battering waves as they come ashore, after all, and the chances of finding a Scotch Bonnet, an auger, or even a small whelk increase greatly amidst the heavy seaweed piles. This is a list of official state shells for those states of the United States that have chosen to select one as part of their state insignia.. This means that a swimmer can wade out into the ocean for a good 10-20 yards before losing their footing, and these types of beaches are generally common in both the northern Currituck areas and the southern Outer Banks beaches, south of Cape Point. For example, Ocracoke Island was ranked the #2 best shelling beach in the country on Coastal Living magazine's list, second only to the seashell Mecca, Sanibel Island, FL. Guests have even reported finding shells right under their vacation rental home, as the "fill" that is brought in during the initial construction to create a solid plot of land to build on is typically dredged right from the middle of the ocean. Types of Shells. Half the fun in shelling on the Outer Banks is not knowing where the next great beachcombing beach will pop-up, and certainly enjoying a long walk along the coast with your eyes cast down towards the water is an enjoyable excursion all its own. The most common mollusk shells found on the beaches of North Carolina … The plate that seals the mouth of the shell … Whelks come in three varieties all with specific characteristics.The … The good news is that the Outer Banks is such an ever-changing network of barrier islands, with wind and ocean current variations occurring on a daily basis, that shelling conditions can change just as quickly as the weather. Occasionally, a lucky beachcomber may even stumble upon a pen shell. Live animals are found approximately 50 to 150 feet offshore in moderately shallow water and typically in areas with strong currents. All of the above conical shells are somewhat common, and are best found in large shell beds that wash up with regularity around the beaches. Again, on popular beaches that have been picked over, sometimes the best finds are just off the shoreline, in the 1'-2' feet of water waiting by the ocean wash. The easiest way to identify your seashells is to find them below as a thumbnail and then click on the picture of the seashell you were looking for. Of course, a beachcomber can follow all the guidelines and tricks in the book, and sometimes leave the beach empty handed. Ask any crowd of visiting kiteboarders about Kite Point, and they'll readily give you exact directions to this unmarked but internationally renowned soundside beach. On this beach, shell hunters will find Quahogs and scallops washed up in abundance, making it a crafter's paradise for beachcombers who use shells as ornaments, soap dishes, or catch-all containers. The "north" facing beaches located above Cape Point in Buxton generally attract colder water shells that wash up from New England to North Carolina, while the "south" facing beaches, or the beaches located after Hatteras Island hooks back towards the mainland, can attract shells that are found from North Carolina to Florida. Once the waters have calmed down to their normal levels, piles of shells can wash up in droves along the shoreline. If you're shelling on the soundside or by the local Outer Banks inlets, watch out for hermit crabs. While some shells have limited size variations, (like the Scotch Bonnet), others, like whelks, can vary by inches if not feet. As for Ocracoke Island, there's a reason why it has consistently appeared on best beaches lists across the country. The official state shell of North Carolina. Off the coast of North Carolina, divers and local fisherman frequently find Scotch bonnets at depths of about 50 to 150 feet (15 to 46 m); however, live specimens can be found in depths from 0 to 94 metres (0 to 308 ft). Just because one beach trip isn't fruitful doesn't mean the next one won't be as well, and if the only thing a beachcomber brings back from a beach trip is a revitalized spirit and a suntan, that's not a shabby day on the Outer Banks at all. Keyhole Sand Dollar: This round sea urchin is tan to light brown and ranges … The three most common types of whelks are the lightning whelk, knobbed whelk and channeled whelk. All reasonable efforts have been made to ensure that the information on this website is accurate, however, Outer Beaches Realty cannot be held responsible for errors or omissions. In order to preserve the hermit crabs that flock to the Outer Banks, go ahead and let these already-occupied shells go, and keep your eyes peeled for the next great find that hasn't already been claimed by a rival critter. The clams along the Outer Banks are often giant specimens, better known as quahogs. Empty shells … If you have a beach driving permit and a 4WD accessible vehicle, consider enjoying a morning of "Drive-by Shelling" along the Cape Hatteras National Seashore. While there are dozens of varieties of shells found in South Carolina, we’ve chosen some of our favorite — and most common shells — from here in Myrtle Beach. Distinctive for its fat conical body, wide lip (or rim / opening), and its typically white and brown-specked exterior, the 1.5” – 5” Scotch Bonnet … Named for its resemblance to the caps and plaid worn by the Scottish peasants. Shells that are native to warmer waters, those from North Carolina to Florida, can … Die-hard shell hunters should plan at least one trip to Portsmouth Island, either via the privately run ferry that leaves daily from Atlantic, NC, or via the Portsmouth Island ATV tour which departs from Ocracoke Harbor and provides visitors with a full morning or afternoon of discovering the historic Portsmouth Village as well as the shell-lined beaches. At its worst, shelling on the Outer Banks leads to a scenic long walk along the beach, and at its best, the shelling on the Outer Banks can produce some simply fantastic beach finds. What To Know Before Visiting Hatteras Island. With this in mind, the best way to bring a newly found treasure home is to let it dry, shake out the sand, and simply pack it away in the suitcase. Shells have a better chance to wash up undamaged. Ray egg cases are a glossy black and rectangular, with long black tendrils emerging from each of the four corners. The most important and least reliable factor into ensuring incredible shelling conditions is a good storm. The island is nestled in perfect proximity to two major East Coast currents: the Gulf Stream and the Labrador Current. These areas are better known to bring ashore more delicate shells such as the Scotch Bonnet. That's not to say that there isn't a little bit of luck involved in any good beachcombing expedition. Here’s our Ocean Isle Beach North Carolina shell guide for some of the most common shells you’ll find on North Carolina’s beaches! For a spectacular show, head to this beach in the summer months, from late May until early September, and keep your eyes on the shoreline. Get this from a library! If nothing else, the faint salty aroma of your prized shell will simply serve as a reminder of a great Outer Banks vacation. Walk-ins are always welcome! These shells are prized for their rarity, their beauty, or both, and are considered exceptional finds on the Outer Banks. Then, it's simply a matter of hopping out of the truck and examining the finds. Shells that are native to colder waters generally wash ashore along the north facing beaches, those above Cape Point. Many beachcombers also swear by those south facing beaches, where the more tropical and attractive species from Florida and the Caribbean can occasionally wash ashore. The Scotch Bonnet is the official North Carolina State Shell, and as such, beachcombers may assume that they are easy to find all along the Outer Banks. Though generally common, many beachcombers love a good quahog as these shells easily double as a soap dish, ash tray, or simply a display container to hold other, smaller shells. In fact, more than 700 species live in these waters. The beaches of Frisco and Hatteras are also prime hunting grounds, as these beaches generally have a very shallow ocean floor, allowing shells to wash up without abrasions or damage from big ocean waves. Vacationers who do not want to leave the Outer Banks without an incredible find should definitely plan to head to Portsmouth or Ocracoke Island for some of the best shelling the East Coast has to offer. Older shells tend to turn white as they age, with ancient shells, (or shells that 1,000 years old or more), generally being a stark white all the way through. Ranging from 1/4" to a full 3", the Shark Eye is wide, smooth and … The helmet conch is a fat conical shell that is distinctive because of its large opening, with bring pink or red lips which are usually lined with small hard "teeth." Look for whorled, narrow, and elongated shells with smooth or ribbed grooves on their exterior surface. [Hugh J Porter; Jim Tyler; North Carolina. With miles of relatively untouched shoreline, Hatteras Island is paradise for any beachcomber. A long walk along these beaches, especially right after low tide, can produce some incredible delicate finds, including Scotch Bonnets, augers, sundials, olive shells, and whelks, and all a shell hunter has to do to find them is to enjoy a long walk or a long ride along the beach. On your next vacation, come discover why portions of the Outer Banks make regular appearances on national best shelling beaches lists. These treasure include sand dollars, which can range from a dark brown or green color with a fuzzy exterior to a bright white with the standard oval mark, to delicate egg cases for both manta rays and whelks, which are common beach finds in the spring and summertime. Added to this unique geography is the proximity to the two major East Coast currents, the Gulf Stream Current and the Labrador Current, which can also assist in carrying large migrating fish, marine life, and even seashells to the islands' borders. Seashells & Fossils The coastal waters of South Carolina are teeming with seashells. Augers are tiny, with long conical shapes and spirals that encompass the entire length of their bodies. Get ready to see some of the most beautiful wildlife you have ever seen! One of the worst kept shelling secrets on the Outer Banks is South Beach, the southern-facing beach that is located adjacent to Cape Point in Buxton. Local and visiting beachcombers alike plan rugged weekend trips to this island solely because of its absolutely fantastic shelling. For example, a whelk that had been stranded in the ocean for some time, and suffered exfoliation due to both sand and ocean waves, will generally have smooth, almost non-existent knobs along the top of its' spiral. Unfortunately this couldn't be further from the truth. Keyhole Sand Dollar: This round sea urchin is tan to light brown and … The recently formed Irene's Inlet, located along the Pea Island National Wildlife Refuge almost exactly in between the Bonner Bridge and the town of Rodanthe, has become a popular spot for beachcombers in recent years due to its proximity to central Outer Banks vacationers, and its daily delivery of fantastic shells on both the oceanside and soundside beaches. It can measure between 1.5 … But one of the most common and ornate shells that can be found on any North Carolina beach throughout the year is the Shark Eye. 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